Pineal Tumor Overview

Pineal tumors arise in the region of the pineal gland. This gland is a small structure deep within the brain. These tumors represent about 1% of all brain tumors but account for 3% to 8% of the intracranial tumors that occur in children. At least 17 different types of tumors may occur in this region, and many are benign.

The three most common types of pineal region tumors are:

gliomas,

germ cell tumors, and

pineal cell tumors.

Pineal Tumor Causes

As with most brain tumors, the cause of pineal tumors is largely unknown. Research is underway to discover the possible causes.